Our Friday Discussion: Passion vs Practicality
A Balance to Following Your Heart and Making Smart Decisions.
Quote:
"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."
Oprah Winfrey
Our Friday Discussion
Good day, and welcome to the weekend. The week is not yet over, so don’t misbehave, you can still accomplish something great or just keep pushing.
In today’s fast-paced world, we find ourselves caught between two paths: following our passion or sticking to a practical, well-trodden road. Practicality offers safety and predictability, passion provides purpose and fulfilment. The question should not be choosing one over the other, but incorporating one to another.
We live in a world full of high risks, fears, and countless uncertainties. The pull towards what’s familiar is strong, and many of us end up walking down the known path simply because it feels safe. Or simply because of Fear Of The Unknown and the resistance that comes with forging a new path.
And then there’s passion. When we hear passion, we think of something detached from reality, void of reasoning. When passion sets in, it drives us with emotions and enthusiasm, and little to no thinking, but FOMO (The Fear Of Missing Out). We jump out in free expression without thoughts.
Yet, I believe passion when combined with knowledge, can be a practical force. Passion isn’t about moving without direction or jumping without thought. It's about understanding your drive, calculating your risks, and strategizing your wins. Now I sound like Trading View - Look before you leap, analyze that passion in a way that makes sense first on paper.
This is what I call Zeal with Knowledge. Best explain by the scripture in 2 Peter 1 vs. 5:
For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding).
I interpret this scripture as: Because you have chosen this promise/path, give all diligence, then to this zeal add righteousness (don’t pursue no matter the cost), and even in your righteousness add knowledge (the world would not be forgiven or merciful for your passion, kindness or hard work, ensure you know-how and act smart).
💡 We have to acknowledge that passion fades and interests shift, but sustained passion is built through consistent effort that produces results progress. This small wins is what keeps sustaining our zeal overtime, even when the dream has not been actualized. By blending passion with knowledge and effort, we gain more confidence and give more clarity to those who loves us. What’s Your Thought?
Have you ever had to choose between passion and practicality?
How did you make your decision, and what did you learn from it?
Remember: Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Deeper Dive:
If you're struggling in discovering the practicality of your passion, here are some steps to help guide you:
Write it out – Put your passion on paper. Seeing it clearly written helps clarify your thoughts and can make it feel more real and attainable.
Assess the risks – What’s the worst that could happen if you follow your passion? What’s the best? Analyze both sides.
Research and learn – Equip yourself with as much knowledge as possible. Passion without understanding is incomplete.
Take small steps – You don’t have to abandon everything for your passion. Start small, and build gradually.
P.S.: Feel free to reply, critique, expound and discuss any topic with me at hortharn@substack.com. I am always delighted to reply.
Be Determined, Stay Focus,
Ekerete Lord-kris.
(Hortharn)